A carnival atmosphere swept through Renfrewshire on Thursday as people of all ages turned out to see the Queen’s Baton Relay.

They lined the streets and enjoyed the glorious weather as a little piece of history unfolded.

There were cheers and waves galore as the relay winded its way through town before arriving outside historic Paisley Abbey for a special performance by the Commonwealth Youth Circus.

Connor Colhoun, 17, carried the baton as it entered Abbey Close to rapturous applause.

Staff at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, in Glasgow, nominated St Benedict’s High pupil Connor for the prestigious role after he raised £1,000 for charity by swimming 30 lengths in as many minutes.

Connor, who has muscular dystrophy, beamed: “Carrying the baton was absolutely fantastic.

“I’ve never done anything like this before and it was so special to have all these people cheering me on.

“It’s a day I’ll never forget.”

Another baton-bearer who enjoyed a day to remember was Alison McCann, of Neilston Road, Paisley.

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Her leg of the relay took place in the town’s High Street – and she had good reason to celebrate.

Alison explained: “It’s my 18th birthday today and to be able to do this is just incredible.

Paisley pensioners Jean Harrison, Margaret Mejury, Morag Ferguson, Ina Wilson and Elsie Martin turned up in the town centre hours before the baton arrived and were thrilled by the special occasion.

“It’s been a great day,” said Jean. “We all brought flags along and we really enjoyed watching the people running with the baton.”

Earlier, the baton made a special stop at Gallowhill Community Centre, where it was greeted by local residents.

St Mirren stars also had the chance to get their hands on the baton when it arrived at Ralston Sports Centre.

And kind-hearted Paisley businessman Des Barr came to the rescue of spectators in Glasgow Road who were trying to cope with the summer sun while they waited for the baton to pass by.

He helped to keep them cool by handing out free Irn-Bru and ice-cream cones.

Des, who runs Sinclair Barr newsagents, said: “The gesture was much appreciated. We also arranged for two buskers to entertain the crowd and they played The Proclaimers hit ‘500 Miles’ as the baton went by, with the crowd singing the chorus.

“It really was a great afternoon.”

Olympic swimmer Gregor Tait, who won gold for Scotland at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, was given the honour of carrying the baton to the Lagoon Leisure Centre on the final leg of its Renfrewshire tour.

Another star attraction was Games mascot Clyde, who proved to be a big hit with eight-year-old Kieran Livingston, from the West End of Paisley.

West Primary pupil Kieran, who donned tiger facepaint for the occasion, said: “I like Clyde a lot and I’m really looking forward to the Commonwealth Games.”